Congratulations to Jerome Pocius, NPMS English teacher, who was selected to receive the Honey and Maurice Axelrod Award. The following was noted in a letter from Paul Winkler, executive director, NJ Commission on Holocaust Education, “For over 20 years the Axelrod family has provided financial rewards to educators who have demonstrated outstanding efforts in teaching the Holocaust and genocide in their classroom as well as in the field of bias, bigotry and prejudice. The Axelrod Family Award, presented through an endowment to the Anti-Defamation League, in cooperation with the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, will be given at a special ceremony at your school…..Again, congratulations for your hard work—work that is making a significant difference in eliminating bias, bigotry and intolerance wherever and whenever they exist.”

The high school, middle school, and Somerset School are eager to welcome John Halligan to North Plainfield. John Halligan’s son Ryan, died from suicide on October 7, 2003 after being bullied by classmates at school and on the internet. He was 13 years old.
Mr. Halligan has been outspoken about the need for more education and prevention of bullying, cyber bullying, and teen suicide. Prime Time with Diane Sawyer devoted an entire episode to cyber bullying and Ryan’s story in 2006 called “Cruel Intentions”. He also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show titled “Growing Up On-Line”.

Mr. Halligan will be here April 19th to share his story with us. 

Congratulations to Mrs. Reilly
North Plainfield Middle School
Teacher of the Year